In the town of San Juan, in Batangas province, there is a small restaurant that would take you back in time. Situated just right around the corner, a few walks from the public market, is this lovely place known as "Cafeño Manila Cafe". Travelers may not notice it right away, but the key to finding it is to really visit this wonderful municipality home to wonderful beaches, the Laiya Resort, creatively-designed potteries, and fresh fish of many kinds.  Let me take you to a short tour and let us see what's inside this café. The Sewing Machine This old, rusty, but kind of functioning pedal of a sewing machine is something that will remind you that back in the old days, our clothes are made from our own land. I stepped and began to pedal, I remember a very kind and giving person, my Lola who's now 84 years old. And she has this sewing machine too, all working and running! Would you believe that! The Local Products Ever seen "Barako Coffee" in a beer bottle? Here...

Probably next to the beauty of a tourism spot, if it’s about the real reasons for traveling there, is our search for the best “pasalubong”. It’s the tagalog word for “gift” or “souvenir” and it can be anything from foods, toys, clothes, handicraft, furniture, soaps, wearables, or household items. It’s practically anything, big or small, cheap or expensive, edible or not. And for as long as that special item was bought somewhere else and then given to someone as an act of love and kindness – the true purpose has been served. Kakanin - a Typical Pasalubong for the Filipino Family Part of the Culture A simple gesture of “Salamat po” (Thank you) for sharing that pasalubong is enough to make you feel the love and kindness back. There is the best pasalubong for kids, for grandmas and grandpas, for a favorite grandson, for a close neighbor or friend, for the workmates, for the boss, for a former enemy, for a religious brother, and even for a complete stranger. Yes, indeed! Well, “pasa...